MLB Rookie Rankings 2026: Kevin McGonigle, JJ Wetherholt in Front

As of early June, Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle and St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt are the leaders in their respective 2026 MLB Rookie of the Year races.

Based on the latest MLB Rookie of the Year odds at the BetMGM online sportsbook, McGonigle is the betting favorite in the American League, and Wetherholt is the front-runner in the National League. Both players have faced fierce competition thus far.

Get a breakdown of my current rankings for both Rookie of the Year races during the 2026 season:

Ranking the Top AL Rookie of the Year Contenders

1. Kevin McGonigle

In addition to leading all AL rookies with a fWAR of 2.5, McGonigle is hitting .285 with 12 doubles, three triples, 38 runs, 21 RBIs, and 36 walks. He’s clearly in pole position now that Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami is out for at least a month.

2. Parker Messick

Cleveland Guardians left-hander Parker Messick paces all AL rookie pitchers with a fWAR of 1.8 through 12 starts. He’s 6-1 with a 2.21 ERA and 74 strikeouts across 69 1/3 innings of work. Messick could get a narrative bump if the Guardians win another division title.

3. Travis Bazzana

Since being called up in late April by the Guardians, second baseman Travis Bazzana has made an immediate impact. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft has a 0.9 fWAR in 31 games. Don’t be surprised if he pushes McGonigle this summer.

4. Kazuma Okamoto

Thanks to a +4000 price tag, Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto arguably has the best value in the AL ROY odds market. He’s posted a fWAR of 1.2 in 59 games, hitting .221 with 13 homers and 35 RBIs.

5. Samuel Basallo

Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo continues to hang around in this race, recording a fWAR of 1.1 in 49 games. He’s delivered nine home runs and 25 RBIs on the year.

Ranking the Top NL Rookie of the Year Contenders

1. JJ Wetherholt

Wetherholt has a commanding lead in the NL Rookie of the Year race. He’s posted a fWAR of 2.5 in 58 games, which is more than a win higher than any other rookie in the NL. Wetherholt is clubbing .249 with seven doubles, 25 RBIs, 29 walks, and nine homers.

2. Sal Stewart

Since being the National League Player of the Week after the opening weekend, Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart has been a contender in this race. His offensive profile is more than good enough, recording 37 RBIs and 12 home runs for a fWAR of 1.3.

3. Konnor Griffin

Considered the best prospect in baseball, Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin has the highest upside among the NL rookie class. Even at 20 years old, Griffin has a fWAR of 1.1 with a .270 batting average, 14 stolen bases, 22 RBIs, and four home runs.

4. Nolan McLean

The only pitcher with a fighting chance in this year’s NL race is New York Mets right-hander Nolan McLean. He leads all NL rookie hurlers with a fWAR of 1.0, posting a 4.21 ERA in 12 starts.

5. Carson Benge

BetMGM’s betting odds suggest this could be a four-player race, as all four candidates are +650 or better, but Carson Benge (+4000) is the lone long shot worth monitoring. The Mets outfielder has a fWAR of 0.9 in 58 games, hitting .254 with 24 RBIs and nine stolen bases.